Micromega IA-100 MM IA 100 SILVE User Manual
Product codes
MM IA 100 SILVE
Taking into account these requirements, we opted for two types of transformer: one R-Core for all pre-
amplification stages and one toroidal, exclusively for the power section. The toroidal transformers are
quiet and offer a very favorable power/dimensions ratio. In addition, their two-wire construction allows a
perfect alignment between windings, which is a necessary condition for good common mode rejection.
This transformer was specially designed for the IA100, which required a very high dynamic capability in
order to guarantee vitality and transparency of the musical message. It should be remembered that in a
high fidelity amplifier it’s not continuous power which is most significant but the instantaneous power that
the power supply is capable of delivering and consequently the amplifier’s power stage. Equally, the
speed with which the power supply can react is significant in terms of final quality obtained and therefore
must be considered when a product is in the design stages. Today, modern transformers can adapt to any
type of demand and depending on the choice of material and the type of winding, it’s possible to produce
a custom transformer for all applications. It goes without saying that amplifiers using standard off the shelf
components are far from optimized and often have to switch to oversized transformers to get round this
design flaw. MICROMEGA’s development team, using powerful simulation CAD software, designed a
custom transformer for the IA100 and its characteristics perfectly match this amplifier. The same applies to
the other components of the power supply such as the rectifier diodes or the filtering capacitors. Drastic
measurements eliminated all the models whose characteristics and ratings did not meet the designers’
technical requirements. Bearing in mind the importance of guaranteeing a large dynamic restitution,
amplification stages and one toroidal, exclusively for the power section. The toroidal transformers are
quiet and offer a very favorable power/dimensions ratio. In addition, their two-wire construction allows a
perfect alignment between windings, which is a necessary condition for good common mode rejection.
This transformer was specially designed for the IA100, which required a very high dynamic capability in
order to guarantee vitality and transparency of the musical message. It should be remembered that in a
high fidelity amplifier it’s not continuous power which is most significant but the instantaneous power that
the power supply is capable of delivering and consequently the amplifier’s power stage. Equally, the
speed with which the power supply can react is significant in terms of final quality obtained and therefore
must be considered when a product is in the design stages. Today, modern transformers can adapt to any
type of demand and depending on the choice of material and the type of winding, it’s possible to produce
a custom transformer for all applications. It goes without saying that amplifiers using standard off the shelf
components are far from optimized and often have to switch to oversized transformers to get round this
design flaw. MICROMEGA’s development team, using powerful simulation CAD software, designed a
custom transformer for the IA100 and its characteristics perfectly match this amplifier. The same applies to
the other components of the power supply such as the rectifier diodes or the filtering capacitors. Drastic
measurements eliminated all the models whose characteristics and ratings did not meet the designers’
technical requirements. Bearing in mind the importance of guaranteeing a large dynamic restitution,
the
choice went to a bridge rectifier providing more than 25 A and more than 200 A peak intensity. The
filtering capacitors were subjected to drastic selection tests, which eliminated the vast majority of them
and kept only those whose internal impedance and intrinsic inductance were as low as possible.
filtering capacitors were subjected to drastic selection tests, which eliminated the vast majority of them
and kept only those whose internal impedance and intrinsic inductance were as low as possible.
The input board`
IA100 shares the same input card as the two other integrated amplifiers in this range. To fulfill current
requirements, IA100 offers the following inputs: PHONO, AN1, AN2, AN3, AN4 and iPod/iDok.
In addition there are other features, such as a monitoring loop, a PROCESSOR input, a SUB input and
output to allow 2.1 functionality as well as separate control over the Sub out in both modes.
Particular care went into designing the phono input and its stage which accepts moving magnet cartridges.
Although CD invaded the planet, many audiophiles remain extremely attached to their vinyl record
collection and it appeared essential to satisfy them too. In addition, modern music amateurs will
appreciate the possibility of listening to music distributed by record labels specializing in music production
exclusively for vinyl. The circuit used has its own regulated power supply to eliminate interference with the
other active circuits as much as possible, thus offering the most faithful RIAA correction possible. The line
level signals are switched using high quality relays and buffered with Jfet opams to avoid loading the
source. The monitoring loop is independent and the tape output is buffered to avoid the well-known
phenomenon of distortion. The volume control is ensured by a CS3310 circuit which has an absolutely
perfect reputation for quality. Distortion is extremely low and doesn’t taint the signal and create any
opacity. The headphone output, situated on the front panel, uses a small stereo power amplifier capable of
delivering enough current to avoid low impedance headphone problems and
requirements, IA100 offers the following inputs: PHONO, AN1, AN2, AN3, AN4 and iPod/iDok.
In addition there are other features, such as a monitoring loop, a PROCESSOR input, a SUB input and
output to allow 2.1 functionality as well as separate control over the Sub out in both modes.
Particular care went into designing the phono input and its stage which accepts moving magnet cartridges.
Although CD invaded the planet, many audiophiles remain extremely attached to their vinyl record
collection and it appeared essential to satisfy them too. In addition, modern music amateurs will
appreciate the possibility of listening to music distributed by record labels specializing in music production
exclusively for vinyl. The circuit used has its own regulated power supply to eliminate interference with the
other active circuits as much as possible, thus offering the most faithful RIAA correction possible. The line
level signals are switched using high quality relays and buffered with Jfet opams to avoid loading the
source. The monitoring loop is independent and the tape output is buffered to avoid the well-known
phenomenon of distortion. The volume control is ensured by a CS3310 circuit which has an absolutely
perfect reputation for quality. Distortion is extremely low and doesn’t taint the signal and create any
opacity. The headphone output, situated on the front panel, uses a small stereo power amplifier capable of
delivering enough current to avoid low impedance headphone problems and
providing the 32 to 600 Ω
headphones with superb dynamics. Very often the headphone output is only there because it has to be,
but works with a poor quality amplifier. MICROMEGA, conscious of the fact that many music lovers like
listening with headphones, decided to fully satisfy them and avoid the need to acquire an often extremely
expensive separate headphone amplifier. The output stages are entrusted to very high quality operational
amplifiers, delivered with a specific supply branch, ensuring perfect insulation between the various
sections of the board, thus avoiding any crosstalk or intermodulation. A relay ensures switching between
the board output and the PROCESSOR input, which makes it possible to directly tackle the IA100’s power
section. This relay was selected for its reliability and its capacity to switch high currents and transmit very
low amplitude signals, which is a mark of quality.
but works with a poor quality amplifier. MICROMEGA, conscious of the fact that many music lovers like
listening with headphones, decided to fully satisfy them and avoid the need to acquire an often extremely
expensive separate headphone amplifier. The output stages are entrusted to very high quality operational
amplifiers, delivered with a specific supply branch, ensuring perfect insulation between the various
sections of the board, thus avoiding any crosstalk or intermodulation. A relay ensures switching between
the board output and the PROCESSOR input, which makes it possible to directly tackle the IA100’s power
section. This relay was selected for its reliability and its capacity to switch high currents and transmit very
low amplitude signals, which is a mark of quality.